The First of Many (Cern/Lili)

[jasmine]

When the 14th of February rolled around, Lili found herself awake far earlier than normal. Not because of her birthday, but for the fact that it was Valentine's Day and she wanted so badly to do something special for Cern. His Christmas gift had left her nearly speechless save for the onslaught of kisses that she gave him en masse. Never had she received such a special gift.

In the still present darkness of the Summerby Farm, she woke up and slipped through the house in a tank top and yoga pants, long pink hair braided down her back, no makeup, but the locket was clasped tight in its spot around her neck where it never was removed, save for the shower. She crept out the door and gathered up eggs, even fresh milk like Cern had showed her. She'd gained a lot of appreciation for doing things without magic over this break. Quietly, she set the stuff inside the house and ran up the road to the place that she'd arranged to get some fresh strawberries from and ran back, shockingly not out of breath.

Quickly, she got back in the house as the sun was rising just over the horizon and started cooking. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, eggs, toast, and fresh coffee and orange juice for the majority of the Summerby clan, but for Cern, she took extra care and made him some light cream stuffed French Toast in the (magic involved) shape of hearts, covered in strawberries and drizzled in chocolate. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Stuffed French Toast was something she loved making at home, and it evoked a lot of light-hearted love-y feelings for her to make it, especially for him. She grabbed a tray and set up a plate of the sweet breakfast, with some bacon and sausage for him as well, and a glass of orange juice, carrying it carefully down the hall and to his room. Using her hip, she nudged the door open and spoke to the sleeping blonde form with a soft smile on her lips. "Good morning, Cer Bear...wakey wakey..." She giggled softly and set the tray on his bedside table before she leaned down and placed a soft kiss to his lips.

[shava44444]

It was a Sunday morning, Valentine's Day, on a weekend of unusual circumstances. Cern had been given special permission to be out for a weekend of appointments at St Mungo's where they had a new treatment they were trying for his SADS. They needed a three day stint for the tests and to observe the results and had him from Friday afternoon, overnight, and all day Saturday before releasing him to be home. His parents were to bring him back this very afternoon for a results check up before they took him back to school. If it worked they had hopes to try his sister next weekend, see if they could not manage hers better as well. Cern was just quite tickled to be out of a room of bright lights constantly in just his underwear.

Embarrassing!

Unknown to him, his family had managed a surprise of a Lili visit today as well through her mother who actually did have Cern's case on her desk. They had spoken about Lili doing a few of his in-between checks to send results back so he didn't have to leave school, but otherwise he had no idea she was at the farm. As she entered, he was fast asleep still, worn out last night from all the tests. Cern's bedroom was originally a porch at the top of the manor house which he had begged his father for. Creating his own space hadn't been too hard once he told his father he wanted a bed that made him feel like he was on the ocean and they had worked together to fit it in. With a few pieces of furniture tucked in, it was a quiet part of the house. As she set the tray down and kissed his forehead, the bed rocked quietly, back and forth ever so slightly.

The kiss had it's effect like Princess Charming on her sleeping suitor, causing him to shift, to stretch under the duvet slightly, one foot suddenly appearing from under the cover at the bottom as he opened his eyes slowly. Seeing her face he smiled sleepily for about three seconds before his mind woke up and his face turned to very pleased surprise. "Lili!" He rubbed his eyes free of sleep and gave her another look, hoping she wasn't a dream! "Lili, what are you doing here? I mean," he half sat up before remembering he had gone to bed with nothing on and stopped himself only partially sitting, "this is awesome! When did you get here?" This was great!

His eyes caught sight of the clock about the time the smell of breakfast his his nose which was waking up his appetite. His smile turned from one of 'how-can-I-get-her-in-here' to 'oh-my-merlin-food.'

[jasmine]

Such a smile could not have been matched, "Your parents talked with my mum, and when they decided for a break in your treatments they asked her if I could come over. She was happy to let me, and I was happy to get out of school for a bit and see you." She giggled as he sat up and placed a soft kiss on his shoulder. As if she'd pass up any time with her boyfriend! Never!

When she saw the hungry Cern face, she laughed and brought the tray over to him. "I made you breakfast in bed, baby. I made everyone breakfast, but yours is special." She smiled over at him and eased the tray from her grasp to his hands. Nothing could have made this morning any better already. Being with him made it the best birthday/Valentine's Day in existence.

It wasn't to say that she was always alone on this day, but it was different spending it with a boyfriend rather than her gaggle of friends. "I didn't use magic, except to shape the French Toast, and all the ingredients I gathered!" She beamed, actually quite proud of herself. "I think you rubbed off on me over Christmas Break." Anytime before that, if you would have told her that she had to work on a farm, she might have looked at you like you were turning into a mandrake.

"I'm going back to school with you, come Monday, so you have all day and night with me here." She felt so comfortable with him and at his home that she wished it were her home too. Over the past month, she absolutely fell in love with the place. His parents were wonderful, his siblings were wonderful. Man. Couldn't have it any better.

[shava44444]

The clever witch he had a for a girlfriend smiled and giggled as she explained, making his heart feel even lighter, not to mention the kiss on his shoulder. "No fair, I have not brushed my teeth yet, I probably smell terrible," he said catching her chin before she pulled back and kissing her cheek softly. She further surprised him by saying she had made him breakfast in bed! "Are you serious? Everyone??"

Wow, this was amazing!

Seeing the tray he said "Hang on," And scooted over, carefully to keep himself under the covers and made space for her beside him. Patting the spot beside him he added "get up here, gorgeous, I might be hungry, but what I hunger most for is you near me..." As he took the tray from her with wide eyes he had to admit everything looked amazing, like, he had never seen anyone but his mom and sometimes his sister do anything close to this. "This is just-- wow, Lili-love, it all looks so good!"

Hand gathered and made. Cern certainly felt loved because he knew it took a lot of effort to do all this. "man! What time did you get up, crack of dawn? Before?!" Knowing what the sausage and stuff would taste like, he cut into the french toast first, trying not to let the insides get away. A forkfull and he closed his eyes, leaning back against the headboard. "Oh wow...that's really delicious..." Sitting up suddenly he looked at her suspicious. "You haven't eaten yet have you?"

Cutting another forkful, making sure to have a bit of all the parts, he caught her chin carefully and said "Un ah, open wide, beautiful, we have to keep your strength up!" He fed her from there on out a bite of his for everyone he put in his own mouth till the plate was empty and the juice gone. With the house stirring as those who did not have work this morning (Cern had been excused because of the experiments) began making their way through the house. He saw his mother look from the stairs and seeing he had a tray turn back.

"Come here, love," he said putting the tray off on the other side of the bed where a small bench was. Pulling her close up against him despite his bare chest he kissed her on the lips once long and filled with appreciation, tasting both strawberries and chocolate on her lips. He pulled back enough to make an obvious licking his lips while wiggling his eyes at her and then closed for a second much more seriously exploratory kiss. In her ear he whispered "All day and night, huh....?"

[jasmine]

Lili was happy to share the breakfast that she made him (though suddenly very happy that she had run this morning for the berries. That French Toast, while good...not good for you!) and as he kissed her, she erupted into a flurry of giggles. "I'm glad you liked it, baby. I just invented it one day and decided to just perfect it."

As his kisses grew more suggestive, she giggled softly at his whisper. "Are you thinking, what I think you're thinking?" It had been a little while since they had been alone like this and well...okay, yes she would be happy to oblige.

She snuggled close to his chest, looking up at him through dark lashes and stray wisps of bright pink hair. Brushed teeth or no, being with him when he woke was something that she would choose to do every day if she could. "Unless you have other ideas for the morning."

[shava44444]

Filled with stomach goodness, Cern's mind turned automatically to something else he hungered for, though it was not his mind that had most of the sway in this. It helped that she was here early in the morning too; since his mother had checked and seen her had food and company she wouldn't be coming back to check on him till everyone was taken care of. That gave them time enough for what he had in mind, though not all of it was physical. "Why, whatever might you be thinking of, I wonder..." he said with a smile and then kissed her again.

How many mornings could he claim to have really when he wasn't in school? Few and far between he was sure since on the farm there would always be early morning work to do. "I think my plans just went out the window, love," as she curled up against him and tempted him more causing him to chuckle, "but when you worship a goddess you could say you are always ready to give her service..." and kissed her long, eventually moving to a deeper sense of enjoyment...

----time passed----

Sated in both stomach and body, Cern stirred and wiped the sweat off his brow, nuzzled her neck slightly. Her clothes were across the side table and his hands let her know how very pleased he was with her right now. Leaning up though he caught a chain around the end of the bed where he had stashed something, heartily glad he had brought it with him during his brief stay at St Mungo's. "Lili-love, goddess of my soul, I have a birthday present for you." He grinned at her hiding something in his hand as he added "I was going to wrap it for you but I suddenly seem to be too tired to be bothered much."

He slipped a piece of plastic on a chain into her hand with four bumps on it, a simple piece of a child's plastic toy. It was yellow, nearly the same shade as their house and he could see the curiosity in her eyes. "Think I've lost my mind, right? Hang on, it gets better..." Reaching to the same spot again he got a second one, slipped it around his bare neck, pulling the covers around her upper body to shield her from view should anyone interrupt them.

The house was full of little cousins getting ready to play of course.

Showing her his was the same he slipped an arm around her letting her snuggle close to him as he slipped her chain over her neck and then held the two pieces. "Separate, they are just pieces, unique but the same. But when you put them together," he snapped them together simply, "it makes something much greater then just the two parts." Cern let her look at it a moment and then snapped then apart and grinned.

"Now, ready for the surprise part? Hold yours in your hand a moment..."

[jasmine]

Every kiss that Cern gave her sent an electric shock up her spine and her arms slid around his neck with a tender touch, hinting at the knowledge of his plans for the morning, leaning into him and giving all her attention to the blonde boy that simply stole her heart.

--Haaaaaaaa-ppy birthday to you.....--

Lili stretched, sweeping the length of hair away from his spot on the bed, smiling up at him with quite sated blue eyes and lifted a red painted fingernail gently down his chest with a soft giggle. "Infinitely better than on the stairwell." She giggled again and slipped under the covers again and watched him as he grabbed up the little yellow plastic pieces. The simplicity in the gift was something that she found endearing. "That's actually pretty cool! I like the idea of...there's more?"

Doing what he had said, she closed her hand around the little yellow piece and chuckled. "It's not going to bite me, is it? Turn into a Doxie?" She was grinning playfully, fully aware that nothing he would ever do would wind up hurting her, but it was so much fun to tease him. "Nooo...green hair or anything funky like that, right?"

[shava44444]

Grinning at her compliment about being much better, Cern bowed his head slightly and said "I have to agree! See, I always try to improve when I have inspiration," kissing her nose right on the tip before she escaped him by crawling more into the sheets. Grinning he pulled out his birthday present for her and watched as she realized the connection of the pieces. Smiling at her pleased reaction he laughed softly.

Sliding down a bit more beside her in the bed, he held his piece in one hand, sliding the other around her waist to keep her close, feeling selfish about his girl. "No no, nothing so dramatic, silly! This is private magic, something just for us to share and no one else, all right?" As she held hers in her hand he held his up in front of his face and concentrated on it thinking of her. Blowing on it close to his mouth, the piece heated up suddenly...

...and hers warmed, feeling like a rush of air as well! "Now," he said as he saw her eyes realize what he had done, "Whenever you want to think about me even if we're far apart, you can get my attention easy enough as I am always going to wear this next to my own heart on my skin." Kissing her cheek and then a nibble on her ear he said even softer "And you will definitely know when you are on my mind. Happy Birthday, my darling, you'll get your valentine's gift later."

Snuggling close to her he said half-sleepily "Unfortunately I think mom will be nearly done with the others and will come searching us out soon. We probably ought not to be found so exposed as we are much as I don't want you to leave me..."

[jasmine]

The necklace was entirely too cool, and she grinned brightly. "How cool! It's like I have a little piece of you everywhere I go! I'll have to figure out how to use it to really get your attention." She giggled and snuggled close to him, smiling up at those beautiful eyes until he spoke again and she wrinkled her nose, clicking her tongue behind her teeth softly in disappointment. "Aww, I suppose you're right. Being naked in the middle of the day together with all the Summerby clan around is simply asking for a lecture." There was a playful pout on her lips as she reached over and grabbed up the clothing he'd tossed over the side table. As she wiggled back into her clothing, she made sure to put the necklace on with her locket from Christmas.

Once dressed, she pulled her legs up and crossed them Indian style on his bed and looked up at him thoughtfully as she braided her hair back. "What would you like to do today, baby? I do have something else for you actually, if you would like it. Now or later is fine with me, just letting you know." She smiled softly, suspence could be a killer sometimes.

All she wanted to do was spend time with him on the farm. Even taking a walk would be great. "What does my sweetheart like to do when he's got no work for the day?"

[shava44444]

Her words about finding a way to use it to get him made his eyebrows pop up! "Please! Just...not so much in class when I'm being called on, okay? that could get me in trouble quick..." Grinning at her clear liking of the present, he waited till she reached for clothes before he slipped out of the bed and got thing at his dresser. She had the advantage of having all her things out nearby and on before he had managed past underwear, as he had to select first. Coming back to the bed with his jeans and a fresh pair of socks, he dropped the shirt over the end of the bed and sat back down beside her.

As he slipped his legs in his jeans he said "Well mom ordered me to relax, so probably go see her so she can complement you on breakfast and making her life easier for a day at least. This afternoon I have to go back to the hospital of course," he felt both odd and thrilled to be dressing in front of her like she had express permission "Beyond that I have no idea, we'll see where things head, okay?" She mentioned her present as well and he fastened his zipper and leaned over, giving her a kiss.

"You're all the present that I need, beautiful, but we'll let mom thank you first. Then we can head over to the barn and exchange presents where it's quieter, okay?" He had not put on his shirt, but slipped his socks and shoes on next as he added "Me? Swimming and being down in the ocean. Sometimes out on the boat dad has, but it's too cold a weather for those kind of things. Water would be dangerous." He paused, wondering; there was precious little time on a farm to oneself and most of it he had day dreamed or read during.

Standing up he picked up his shirt to carry and said "Most of the time? Sleep I think and read. You don't get a ton of free time when there are animals to care for, you know? Let's go to the bathroom and wash up, i don't want her smelling you on me," he grinned.

[jasmine]

Playfully, Lili pouted just a little. "I see your point. That could lead to some awkward breakfast time conversations." She smiled and headed with him to the bathroom, cleaning up any incriminating evidence off of both of them. Merlin knew that she adored Cern's family and she didn't want to do anything that would put in an odd sort with any of them. She'd rather stay here with them than go home sometimes.

Did she mention how much she loved spending Christmas there?

Aside from the closeness to Cern, his family was wonderful. She'd never seen so many truly happy people. That was one of the most enriching sight she'd ever had in the wizarding world. People that were truly happy just had this glow about them, and she had begun to really see it in herself.

"I think your idea sounds like a plan, love. I wish you didn't have to go back to the hospital, but I'd like to go with you. Maybe I can see mom finally. She gets so busy sometimes she doesn't recall what day it is, but I don't blame...her...what's dad's owl doing here?" She peered out of the window and gestures to the tawny owl making great swoops around the farm before cracking the window and whistling in a low tone.

The bird swooped up and perched on the ledge so she could take the letter and sent the bird off again. Curiosity bristled through her for a moment before she took the letter and read through it. "Someone must be my wishing star...I get to see daddy next month! For a whole weekend!" Oh, that was the best birthday present she ever could have gotten in the world, save for time with Cern. The excitement on her face was evident and she was suddenly aware that her eyes were tearing up.

"Oooh! Blast! I wasn't trying to cry! I just...never see him much! To have a whole weekend with him in Hogsmeade is going to be wonderful! If only mom could come too." That was unlikely, but it would be nice. She could dream. As she got herself in check, she finally looked up at Cern as she tucked the letter into her sweatshirt pocket. "If you are ready, I'm ready to go downstairs. I'll be glad to see your mom again."

[shava44444]

There was little that was not attractive to him about smelling her on his skin, but he knew that might be too blatant for his mom. So with a wet cloth they got cleaned up and checked to make sure they were both good to go. "Damn you are beautiful, you know that? How did i ever luck up so much..." He still wondered about that note from the shelves but not as much as he used to. As they stepped out and headed for the kitchen she agreed with his possible plan for the day and he smiled.

Suddenly as they passed a window, she spotted her owl outside, or at least her father's she said. He opened the window for her so she could retrieve it (dang it was cold outside still!) and re-shut it after. Her excitement was contagious! "Really? that's great!" He had no idea how good really as he had always had his parents around, but missing one of them would drive him crazy he could easily imagine. Still when she teared up he got the impression it was big news! "How often do you see him?"

As they walked into the kitchen he slid his arm around her waist and into her back pocket with a grin. His mother was just finishing cleaning up the remains from breakfast. "Liliane! Breakfast was lovely! Where did you learn to make that? And were those berries from around here?" Cern waited, knowing it was a moment his mother wanted. "Now Cern, don't you two get too far away from the house. We'll want to leave early enough to get through the muggle traffic." "It's okay, Mom, we were going to go over to the barns see some animals and trade Valentine's presents. We won't be gone lone. And I'll watch the time."

As they left and went downstairs to the first floor Cern said to her "They really enjoyed having you around for Christmas... I think when Vincent asked Keela to marry him they were afraid they were losing us both soon." Pulling her closer with his arm he opened the door to outside slipping two coats off the hook behind it as they exited. Handing her one of them he slipped one on as they walked to the bridge to go up the sea wall stairs and said with a grin "I think the idea they might be gaining you instead of losing me makes it easier to let Keela go off on her own."

[jasmine]

"Not nearly often enough." She mused softly, when asked of the times she got to see her father. "Daddy's always gone with the team, but he's been thinking of retirement. I don't see that happening though. He just loves the game so much." It would be nice if her dad retired soon. That might mean that she could spend more time with him. Maybe mom would ease up her work load with dad home.

As Cern's mom filled her with praise for breakfast, she started turning pinker and pinker until her face nearly matched her hair. "Local everything, ma'am. I tried to remember how Cern taught me to gather the things I needed. I'm glad you liked it!" And as Cern helped her into her coat, she smiled warmly at him. "Thanks, honey."

As they went walking, she held onto his hand gently and looked up at him through her lashes, "It was a marvelous surprise, and I'm glad that Keela is happy. I think she will be very happy with Vin. Hopefully, as happy as I am with you." He said something about his family gaining her? Strange, but that was what was said about couples, right? She smiled warmly, "You know...maybe over Spring Break, I could bring you to the Château. Ever been to France? Daddy has that place for when we want to escape life."

[shava44444]

The idea of not knowing one's father well was a mystery to him, surprising in it's own way. And while he could understand why her father stayed out with a team, he would go find his dad eventually to spend time with him. Maybe that just didn't work out so well for her... "Well...maybe some time this summer we could maybe get a chance to go see him where he plays?" he grinned at her; he was sure his mom would be happy to take them to a game sometime; she loved the game still.

Hearing his girlfriend get praise he liked, but watching her blush was nice too. He was grinning from ear to ear when he slipped her coat on her and helped her to the door. "Back soon mom!" and then he was only eyes and ears for Liliane! "I was unsure about him at first, I mean, even though my aunts are Slytherins, it made me worried for her. It took me awhile to realize it was her decision not mine."

He shrugged, blushing a bit at how mistrustful he could be. "I just wanted her safe. Turns out both my aunts like him and he seems a lot nicer outside of school." And then she surprised him with the idea of a trip and his eyes grew wider. "France? Really?" He grew thoughtful. "I'd probably have to ask mom today then when we get back. let her think about it in advance. She doesn't like being rushed into stuff. But yeah! Sounds fun!"

They made their way up the sea wall steps, through the tunnel (he had his hand around her waist and in her back pocket with a blush still on his face for the boldness of it) and to the barn which had been turned into a greenhouse inside. The illusion on the outside made it appear run down and empty, but inside it was sparkling clean and well taken care of as he knew.

[jasmine]

Seeing the inside of the barn, Lili gasped softly. "Did you do that? Look at that greenhouse! What's in it?" A little too exciteable by nature, and entirely too curious, she instantly went to peek in the glass, only to see nothing. Playfully, she pouted, "No peeking magic?" She laughed softly and then explained about the Chateau, since they had been discussing it. "I think you would like it. I'd love to give you the opportunity to meet my mom and dad too. They've heard so much about you, I'm sure they would love to finally put a face with a name."

She smiled and looped her arms around his waist gently, kissing his lips with the greatest of ease, "You know, I never got to say this before, but thank you. You've made me so blissfully happy for the past few months that it's almost unreal. Really, love, thank you. You are very special to me." She placed a soft kiss to the tip of his nose before looking up at him.

"Did you like breakfast and everything? I really did want to make this just as special a day for you as it was for me."